Foundations Behavioral Health’s Post

The holiday season can be stressful for everyone. Below are 5 quick tips to ease holiday stress for friends & family members with autism. https://lnkd.in/ezRcHgRx   1. Identify ways to take breaks from the crowd (a quiet room, taking a walk, etc.).  2. Bring soothing items like headphones or sensory toys.  3. Establish a timeframe for the day and use a visual schedule. 4. Bring preferred food options.  5. Practice selfcare - ask for help & consider using mindfulness techniques https://lnkd.in/eK9ZTQGe #holidays #autism #parentingtips Kristine Welsh-Eves, LCSW BCBA, Christina Peters, Ana Filippo, LCSW, BCBA, Frank DiBella, LPC, Michael Fueyo, MD, Sarah Mattern LCSW, BCBA, MBA, Emily Stoltzfus, MBA

🌟 **Important Reminder for July 4th!** 🌟 As we approach the upcoming July 4th holiday, let's take a moment to consider the sensory needs of children on the autism spectrum. Loud noises, bright lights, and crowded spaces can be overwhelming for some individuals with autism. If you have visitors or neighbors who are on the spectrum, please be mindful of the activities you have planned and create a supportive environment for everyone to enjoy. 🏖️🌊 For those heading to the beach or river, it's essential to keep an extra eye out for individuals who are drawn to water, as many on the spectrum are. Water can be a source of fascination and attraction, so it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to keep your loved ones safe. Let's come together as a community to celebrate responsibly and inclusively this Independence Day. By being mindful of the unique needs and preferences of individuals on the autism spectrum, we can ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday. 💙 #AutismAwareness #InclusionMatters #July4thSafety #CommunitySupport

🎃 **Navigating Autism & Halloween: Tips for a Spook-tacular Celebration** 🍬👻🌟 As we approach the festive season, navigating Halloween with autism can bring its own set of challenges and delights. 🎃💙 For many individuals on the spectrum, sensory sensitivities, social expectations, and unfamiliar routines can make this holiday overwhelming. But fear not, as we're here to share some tips for a spook-tacular celebration that's inclusive and enjoyable for all! 🌟👻 Firstly, prioritize comfort and sensory-friendly costumes. Opt for soft fabrics, tagless labels, and consider the weight and texture of accessories. Embrace creativity and allow your child to choose a costume that brings them joy and comfort. 🧵✨ Next, prepare for trick-or-treating by creating a visual schedule or social story to outline the evening's activities. Practice doorbell ringing, greetings, and receiving treats to help ease anxieties. Plan a route with fewer crowds or consider participating in trunk-or-treat events for a more controlled environment. 🚪🍬 Lastly, foster understanding and acceptance within your community by educating neighbors and friends about autism. Encourage kindness and inclusivity by promoting alternatives to traditional Halloween practices, such as offering non-food treats or participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project. 🏡🧡 As we embrace the magic of Halloween, let's ensure that every child, regardless of their neurodiversity, feels celebrated and included in the festivities. Together, we can create unforgettable memories and moments of joy for all! 🌈👻 #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #AutismCommunity #AutismLove #AutismSupport #AspergersSyndrome #AspergersAndProud #AspergersLife #AspergersWorld #ADHDLife #ADHDAwareness #ADHDSupport #ADHDCommunity #DyslexiaAwareness #DyslexiaSupport #DyslexiaIsSuperpower #DyslexiaCommunity #AspieWorld #AspieLife #AspieSupport #AspieCommunity

🦃 Preparing for a Sensory-Friendly Thanksgiving with Autism 🍁 As Thanksgiving approaches, we understand the unique considerations families with autistic children may have. Planning ahead can make a significant difference in ensuring a sensory-friendly and enjoyable holiday. Here are 5 tips to help you create a Thanksgiving plan tailored to your child's needs: 1. Create a Quiet Space: Whether you're hosting or visiting, designate a quiet area where your child can retreat if things get overwhelming. This safe space allows them to take a break and decompress. 2. Communication is Key: Share your child's needs and sensitivities with others. This proactive communication helps everyone understand and support your child better during the festivities. 3. Visual Schedule: Prepare a visual schedule for the day's events. This can include mealtimes, activities, and any potential changes. Visual cues help provide predictability and reduce anxiety. 4. Sensory-Friendly Food Options: Consider the sensory preferences of your child when planning the Thanksgiving menu. Having familiar and preferred foods can make the meal more enjoyable for them. 5. Prepare for Travel: If you're traveling, plan for the journey. Pack comfort items, noise-canceling headphones, or anything else that helps your child stay calm during the trip. Familiarity can ease the stress of travel. Remember, every child is unique, so feel free to tailor these tips to suit your child's specific needs. Wishing you a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving filled with joy and understanding! 🧡🦃 #AutismAwareness #SensoryFriendlyThanksgiving #InclusiveCelebration

It's Halloween season! 🎃 There are some simple ways you can help make this time more accessible and friendly for children living with autism. Displaying a blue pumpkin is one of those ways! What else can you do? 1. Reducing Sensory Overload Blue pumpkins signify that the residents are aware of the sensory challenges individuals with autism may face. They may dim lights, keep noise levels down, and avoid sudden loud noises to create a more comfortable environment. 2. Inclusive Trick-or-Treating For many children with autism, the sensory experiences of Halloween can be overwhelming. Houses with blue pumpkins may offer alternative treats or a quieter, more accommodating trick-or-treating experience. 3. Fostering Acceptance By displaying a blue pumpkin, individuals and families are not only showing their support but also encouraging conversations about autism. This helps raise awareness and promotes a more inclusive and understanding community. Read our full blog (link in the comments) and find out how we can all make a difference, one pumpkin at a time. #autismawareness #bluepumpkins #halloween

As you prepare for Halloween celebrations around the city, take note of these tips to keep the holiday safe and fun for children who struggle to focus or maintain self-control. https://lnkd.in/efhXkE4Z

The holidays are filled with joy, but they can also bring challenges for those with autism. Here are tips to make Christmas more inclusive: Visual Schedules: Use calendars or pictures to map out holiday events, easing anxiety about changes. Safe Spaces: Designate a calm area for breaks if the festivities get overwhelming. Communication Tools: Utilize simple language and visual aids to explain plans and expectations. Respect Boundaries: Understand personal space and sensory needs, respecting individual comfort zones. Flexible Celebrations: Allow for adjustments in traditions to accommodate sensory needs, making the festivities enjoyable for everyone. Let's spread awareness and understanding this holiday season. Share your tips and experiences to create a more inclusive celebration for individuals with autism. 🌟💙 #Autism #Autistic #autismacceptance #specialneeds #intervetion #speechtherapy #sensoryplay #behavorialtherapy #parentskills #parenttraining #parentsupport #aba #abatherapy #appliedbehavioranalysis #bcba #behaviortechnician #appliedbehavioranalysis #POSSABA #autismnj #employmentopportunities #equalopportunityemployer

Hi, I'm Faith Uche Stevens, but you might know me better as DJ Electra. I am the CEO of Electra Music Empire Ltd. Beyond the music, I've been navigating life with photosensitive epilepsy since I was 18. It wasn't just a medical condition; it became a companion on my journey. Disabilities aren't one-size-fits-all; understanding each person's strengths is key. I’ve had to reject stressful jobs because excessive brain activity triggers my seizures, so I learned to cut down, prioritizing rest. Self-awareness is my superpower. For two years, I've been seizure-free. Knowing when to rest, what to eat, and how to protect myself from triggers—this is my daily playbook. Understanding these triggers is the first step to change. Flashy lights, blaring horns—these aren't just annoyances; they're triggers. My journey with photosensitive epilepsy is a unique rhythm. With self-awareness, rest, and a commitment to educating others, I've turned challenges into strengths. This is why I'm launching a disability awareness campaign next year. To join me in this campaign, visit https://dotakeaction.org. #disabilityawareness #abilitynotdisability #sdg10